The exploits of Ajarn Yanatharo - an Argentinian-born Buddhist monk who has associated himself with Sydney’s Lao community - are being given top billing in today’s Sydney Morning Herald. It provides an account of his alleged activities which include “peddling drugs and public mischief”. According to the report he is the Buddhist chaplain at the University of Canberra (although this is not confirmed at the University’s chaplaincy website). Apparently, he is also known as Dr. Jose M. Sanz-Tonnelier OAM.
This unusual report is certainly worth a quick read.
3 responses so far ↓
1 lotus_in_the_hills // Sep 16, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Has anything further been reported in Australia on this topic? I am perplexed by the extremely derisive tone of the article; even the title is defamatory. There is speculation that Ven. Yanatharo was possibly growing marijuana for the benefit of the HIV/AIDS patients he is supposedly working with, though disregarding drug laws nonetheless.
Furthermore, the article claims that Ven. Yanatharo is “self-proclaimed.” Why? Was he not officially ordained?
2 Nicholas Farrelly // Sep 16, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Thanks Lotus in the Hills,
I can’t find any other reports in the Australian media on Ajarn Jose. If I do come across any further material I will post it to New Mandala.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
3 Commentary on Ajarn Jose // Sep 18, 2007 at 10:39 pm
[...] Mandala readers who have been following the case of Ajarn Yanatharo may find a new commentary published by the Buddhist website Mahabodhi interesting. The full [...]
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